Hoop-making machine.



No. 705,130. Patented July 22, I902.

J. C. PERRY.

HOOP MAKING MACHINE.

(Application filed Apr. 7, 1902.)

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No. 705430. Patented July 22,1902.

.1. c. PERRY.

HOOP MAKING MACHINE.

(Application filed Apr. 7, 1902.)

Patented July 22, [902.

J.C.PERRY. HOOP MAKING MACHINE.

(Application filed Apr. 7, 1902.) (lo Ilodel.) |5-SheetsSheet 3 w g ia,

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Patented July 22, I902.

J. C. PERRY.

HOOP MAKING MACHINE.

(Application filed Apr. '7, 1902.)

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(No Model.)

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. HOOP MAKING MACHINE.

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,wwse I THE Nomus PETER? co. wow-Una, mswwomu. n cy No. 705,|30. Patented July 22, 902-.

.1, c. PERRY. HOOP MAKING MACHINE.

(Application filed Apr. 7, 1902.) (Io Modal.) -l5 Sheets-Shut 6.

No. 705,l30. Patented July 22, I902. J. PERRY.

HOOP MAKING MACHINE.

(A lication filed Apn 7, 1902. (No Model.) l5 Sheets-Sheet 7.

ZQYj/WSS Wow I W wwiii mw N0. 705,I3U; Patented July 22, I902.

J. C. PERRY. HOOP MAKING MACHINE.

(Application filed. Apr. 7, 1902) (No Model.)

No. 705,!30. Patented July 22, I902.

J. C. PERRY.

HOOP MAKING MACHINE.

(Application filed Apr. 7, 1902.) (No Model.) l5 Shaets-8heet 9.

No. 7o5,|30. Patented July 22, 1902.

J. C.'PERRY. HOOP MAKING MAGHiNE.

(Application filed Apr. 7, 1902.)

I5 Sheets-Shoat l0.

(No Model.)

No. 705,!30. Patented July 22, I902.

J. c. PERRY. HOORMAKING MACHINE.

(Application filed Apr. 7 1902.) (No Model.) i5 Sheets-Sheet ll.

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lo. 70mm 4 Patented July 22, I902.

.1. c. PERRY.

HOOP MAKING MACHINE.

(Application filed Apr. 7, 1902.)

(No Model.) 7 I I5 Sheets-Sheet' I2.

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No. 70530. Patentad July 22, 1902. J. c. PERRY.

HOOP MAKING MACHINE. (Appliettion filed Apr. 7, 1902.) (No Model.) l5 Sheets-Sheet l3.

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5m. 7o5,|3o. Pat'ented July 22, 1902-. J. C. PERRY. HOOP MAKING MACHINE. (Application filed 4 x. 7, 19625 (No Model.) I5 Shanta-Sheet l4.

No. 705,|ao. Patented July 22, I902. J. c. PERRY;

HOOP MAKING MACHINE.

(Application filed Apr. 7, 1902.)

(II 0 II o 1! al l5 Sheets-Sheet l5.

MI" I H H WWW W DU L /Fwss es UNITE-D STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN C. PERRY, OF CLINTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

HOOP-MAKING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 705,130, dated July 22, 1902. Application filed April '7, 1902. Serial No. 101,748. (No model.)

T0 to whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, JOHN C. PERRY, of Clinton, in the county of Worcesterand State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Hoop-Making Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention has for its object the provision of a machine for making endless bands or hoops.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, the same characters being used to designate the same parts wherever they occur. 7

Figure 1, in front elevation, shows a machine constructed in accordance with my invention, the wire being shown fed in from the right of the machine onto the drum or former a sufficient amount to pass around the drum of the machine, the next operation of the machine being that of severing the wire to form the loop or hoop, as hereinafter described. Fig, 2is aside elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1 below the supporting-table, the release-fingers being omitted, the parts being arranged as in Fig. 1. At the lower end ofthe figure appear the primary wires for the transformer and the circuit-breaker wires, also the pipes by which water is provided for cooling the weldingjaws. Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrow, the section plane passing between the two welding-jaws in their separated position. Fig. 4 is a detail reverse plan view of the welding-jaws, the feeding-clamps being removed and the transformer and its terminals being omitted in order to show the parts above them. Fig. 5 is a detail view of one of the welding-jaws, showing one of the transformer-terminals in position'on the jaw. Fig.6 is a cross-sectional view on the line 6 6 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrow or toward the top of the machine, showing the arrangement of the several camtracks. Fig. '7 is a cross-sectional view on the line 7 7 of Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrow or toward the top of the machine, showing the cutter-lever and the cam by which the same is operated, also the welding-jaw, grip-levers, and the cams by which they are operated. Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view on the line 8 8 of Fig. at looking in the direction of the arrow or in the direction of the rotation of the head and toward the side of the forward welding-jaw and showing the forward welding jawthat is to say, the jaw that is ahead in the rotation of the machine-with its grip lowered or opened. Above this jaw appears the cutter shown closed upon the wire ready to sever the latter, the point of operation of the latter being above the two welding-jaws and in a plane passing between the latter. The cutter-head in this view is shown in full line. Fig. 9 is aview similar to Fig. 8, showing the forward welding-jaw with its grip raised or closed and the cutter open. In this view also appear the detachable contact-pieces of the weldingjaws, there being a contact-piece on the face of the grip and a complemental contact-piece carried by a relatively stationary shoulder of the jaw. Fig. 10 is a side elevation of the rear welding-jaw, the grip of the latter being shown as closed. This figure also shows the channel drilled in the clamp for the passage of water for cooling the jaws. Fig. 10 is a reversed plan view, showing the manner of connecting the water-pipes with the water-channel of each welding-jaw and of connecting the water-channel of the two welding-jaws together. Fig. 11 is a partial sectional view on the line 11 11 of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrow or toward the front faces of the welding-jaws as they appear in Fig. 1. In this View the cutter and the welding-grips are removed, showing the position of the wire and of the water-channels and also showing the arrangement of the adjustable contact-screw, its complemental spring-contact, and the terminals of the wire of the breaker-circuit connected to said spring and screw. Fig. 12 is a top plan View of the two wire-feeding clamps and their rollers, the cam-tracks for the latter appearing in dotted lines, there being a feeding-clamp for each welding-jaw, as shown in Fig. 1 and Figs. 23 and 28, the clamp to the left being termed the forward clamp and the clamp to the right the rear clamp to designate their respective position in the rotation of the machine. Fig. 13 is a front elevation of the two feeding-clamps as they appear in Fig. 12 and in Fig. 1. Fig. 14, in

side elevation, shows the forward feeding clamp closed. Fig. 15, in side elevation, shows the rear feeding-clamp closed. Fig. 16 is a front elevation of the rear feeding-clamp, showing a part of the former or drum and the wire-positioning bar and its fingers carried and operated by the clamp. Fig. 17 is a sectional view of the parts shown in Fig. 16, taken on the line 17 17 of Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is a side elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 19 is a detail top plan View of the wire-positioning bar and its fingers. Fig. 20 is a detail perspective View showing the forward welding-jaw grip and the lever connection whereby said grip is operated. Fig. 21 is a vertical sectional view of the water head or top of the machine shown in Fig. 1, the section shown in this figure being a continuation of what is shown in Fig. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing the order of action of the various cams and the stationary fingers in relation thereto. The cams are developed on a plane, the distance between the lines marked 23 being three hundred and sixty degrees and the order of action being from right to left in this figure, the cams being stationary. The ring 50 and break-switch 71 in this diagram are shown as moving,while the brush 58 is stationary. The ring and break-switch are shown as they would be at the beginning of a weld, that part of the ring marked 50 having just passed under the brush 58. The part of the ring marked 500 is insulated from the part marked 50, so that no current can flow into the machine when the brush 58 is on the part marked 500. Figs. 23, 21, 25, 26, 27, and 28 are diagrammatic views showing the relative position of the various clamps at different'points in the revolution of the machine corresponding to the lines 23, 24:, 25, 26, 27, and 28 in Fig. 22. Fig. 29 is a diagrammatic view showing the welding-jaws, their electric circuits, and accessories. Fig. 30 is a detail perspective view of the revolving head of the machine, upon which are mounted the mechanisms by which the blank is fed, shaped, cut, and welded. Fig. 31 is a detail perspective view of the cutter-head and its cutter carried by the revolving head. Fig. 32 is a detail perspective View of the forward feeding-clamp cam. Fig. 33 is a detail perspective view of the rear feeding-clamp cam. Fig. 31: is a detail view showing the connection between the positioningbar and the rear feeding-clamp. Fig. 35 is a perspective View of the welding-jaws and their supporting-castings.

The table 1 of the machine and its supporting-legs 2 may be of any preferred construction.

3 represents a bracket secured to the top of the table 1, (see Fig. 1,) formed with a bearing 4, in which is arranged a shaft 5.

6 represents a driving-pulley fast upon one end of the shaft 5.

7 represents a bevel-gear fast upon the inner end of the shaft 5.

The central part of the table 1. is formed of the hub 8.

with a circular aperture surrounded by a hub 8. (See Figs. 1 and 3.) In this aperture is arranged the upper end 9 of a sleeve 10, the walls of the latter engaging the inner walls The sleeve is formed with a horizontal flange 11,1'aised against the lower side of the table 1 and secured thereto by bolts 12.

13 represents a hollow shaft arranged in the sleeve 10.

1% represents a bevel-gear secured to the hollow shaft 13 by a key and a set-screw 16. The hub 1'7 of the gear 1-1- rests upon the top of the sleeve 10, therebysupporting the shaft 13 and the parts carried thereby in position. The gear 7meshes with and turns the gear 14-.

19 (see Fig. 21) is a cap secured by bolts 22 to the upper end of the hollow rotating shaft 13. This cap is formed with a channel and a channel 21.

23 represents a stationary ring mounted upon the cap 19 in such manner as to permit the rotation of the cap in the ring. The ring 23 is formed with a groove 24:, adapted to register with the upper outlet of the channel 20, and with a groove 25, adapted to register with the upper outlet of the channel 21. Packing-rings 26, seated by adjusting-screws 27, serve to prevent any leakage between the cap 19 and the ring 23.

28 represents a pipe one end of which is carried by the ring in a position to communicate with the groove 25, and thus with the outlet of the channel 21.

29 represents a pipe arranged in a similar manner to the pipe 28, the free end of which communicates with the groove 24-, and thus with the upper outlet of the channel 20. In practice asupplyof cool water enters through the pipe 28 (see Figs. 1 and 21.) and the groove and channel 21., while the heated water returns by way of the channel 20, groove 24:, and pipe 29.

represents a pipe connected at its upper end with the lower end of the channel 21 and passing down through the hollow shaft 13. 31 represents a like pipe arranged in the hollow shaft 13 and connected at its upper end to the lower outlet of the channel 20.

(seeFig. 10 represents a pipe connected at one end to the outlet of the water-channel in the rear welding-jaw 34-, hereinafter described. The other end of the pipe 32 is connected to the inlet of a water-channel in the forward welding-jaw 36, hereinafter de scribed. The lower end of the pipe 30 connect-s with the inlet of the channel 33, while the lower end of the pipe 31 connects with the outlet of the channel 35, the water cireulating by way of the pipe 30 and the channel 33 and by way of the pipe and the channel 35, and then by way of pipe 31 back to the Source of supply.

10 represents a sleeve secured upon the upper end of the shaft 13 by a set-screw 41 and adapted. to rotate with the shaft.

12 represents a sleeve of insulating material arranged upon the sleeve and formed with a flange 43, resting againsta shoulder 44 on the sleeve 40. The sleeve 42 is also formed at its upper end with a flange 45. A nut 46 upon the upper end of the sleeve 40 is arranged to engage the flange 45, and thus secure the sleeve 42 upon the sleeve 40 between said nut and the shoulder 44. The sleeve 42 is formed with a central flange 460. The sleeve 42, the central flange 460, and the end flanges 44 and 45 are all formed of insulating material.

47 represents aring of conducting material arranged upon the sleeve 42 between the flange 460 and the flange 45.

48 represents a wire connected at one end to the ring47 and passing down through the hollow shaft 13 and connected with the primary coil 49 of the transformer.

50 represents a ring of conducting material upon the sleeve 42 between the flange 460 and the flange 43. 51 represents a wire connected at one end to this ring and connected at its lower end to an insulated contact-piece 512 on the end of the lever 71 of the circuitbreaker 70. (See Figs. 1 and 29.)

The secondary coil 52 of the transformer (see Fig. 3) is connected by a flexible terminal 53 to the forward welding-jaw 36, while the rear welding-jaw 34 is rigidly connected to the secondary coil by a terminal 54.

55 represents a bracket supported upon the bracket 3, its upper end being arranged to support the pipes 28 and 29. (See Fig. 1.) The bracket 55 carries an arm 56, to the free end of which are connected two brushes 57 58, adapted for engagement, respectively, with the rings 47 and 50.

59 and 60 represent feed-wires from the source of power to the brushes 57 58.

61 represents an arm secured to the bracket 55 and projecting over the bevel-gear 14. The free end of this arm is formed as a camfinger 62. (See Figs. 1 and 29.)

represents a breaker-switch mounted upon and carried by the bevel-gear 14. The lever 71 of this breaker-switch carries a roll 72, adapted to be engaged with the cam-flnger 62, in order to close the primary circuit at a predetermined time by bringing the contactpiece 512 in engagement with the end of the contact-spring 511, which in the operation of the machine is slightly in advance of the time when the two ends of the wire are brought in contact by the welding-jaws.

In Fig. 29 the primary circuit is represented by the wires 51, contact-piece 512, contact-spring 511, wire 513, and wire 48 back to the ring 47. The breaker-circuit is represented by the wires 78 and 79. The wire 79 leads from the terminal 80, secured to and insulated from the lower side of the rear welding-jaw 34, to the electromagnet S1 of the circuit-breaker 70. The wire 78 leads from the electromagnet 81 and passes about the trans former-core 781, thence to a breaker-switch terminal 82, secured to and insulated from the lower side of the forward Welding-jaw 36. 83 represents a contact-spring carried by the terminal 80, while 87 represents a contactscrew carried by the terminal 82. The adjustment of the screw provides means where by the end of the screw may contact with the end of the spring 83 at any predetermined point with relation to the position of the welding-jaws to each other, and thus enable the welding current to be automatically cut off at any predetermined point in the relative movement of the two welding-jaws toward each other.

Referring to Fig. 30, represents the revolving head of the machine. This, as shown, is a box-shaped casting, with. the sides omitted. In the bottom plate 101 of the casting is formed a hollow hub 102, provided with a key-seat 108, while in the top plate 103 of the casting is formed a complemental hub 104. 105 represents bearings formed on the top of the casting at the junction of the top plate 103 and the rear plate 106. In these bearings is arranged a shaft or pintle 107. The front plate 109 of the casting is beveled, as shown, from the center to each edge in order to permit the parts carried thereby to act on the curved blanks while bent around the former or drum. This plate 109 carries at either side a guide plate 110. 111 represents a flanged guide-block secured to the top and center of the plate 109. This guideblock is formed with flanges 1.14, that cooperate With the flanges on the guide-plates 110. 112 represents a cutter-block secured to the lower front side of the plate 109 below the block 111. The cutter-block 112 is formed with flanges 113, that constitute, in effect, a continuation of the flanges 114 on the block 111. The cutter block 112, as shown, is formed with two projecting lugs or cars 116, carrying a pintle 117. To the lower ends of the lugs 116 is secured a stationary cutterblock 118. The plate 109 is formed with an aperture 119 between the blocks 111 and 112. In this aperture is arranged an arm 120 for the cutter-lever mechanism hereinafter described. (See Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 7.) 121 rep resents a cutter-head formed upon its lower side with an aperture 122, in which the pintle 117 is arranged to secure tha cutter-head between the two lugs 116. The cutter-head at its upper end is formed with an aperture 123. 124 represents a link connected at one end to the free end of the arm 120 and at its opposite end carrying the pintle 125,arranged in the aperture 123. 126 represents a cutting-tool arranged in a slot in the cutterhead and maintained against displacement by means of a plate 27, secured to the cutter-head. 128 represents a set-screw arranged in the upper end of the cutter-head and with its operative or free end in engagement with the cutting-tool 126. By means of this setscrew the cutting-tool can be advanced, if desired, and maintained in its advanced or adjusted position. The cutter-head has a pivotal motion about the pintle 117 in order to force the cutting-tool 126 against the blank and sever the latter by means of its coaction with the stationary cutter 11S.

Referring to Fig. 8, it will be seen that the eutting-tool 126 is so shaped that it projects below the blank in order to prevent the displacement thereof before the shearing action begins. The operation or stroke of the cutter is divided into two parts, one a positioning movement, or to the point shown in Fig. 8, after which the wire is gripped-by other mechanism hereinafter described, and, second, a shearing action to sever the blank after such positioning movement hereinafter described has been effected.

Referring to Fig. 0, it will be seen that the eutter-block in its inoperative position is drawn up, so that the cutting-tool 126, well as the cutter-block, is out of the path of the feeding of the wire onto the former or drum.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 30, the hub 102 is arranged upon the lower end of the hollow shaft 13 and rigidly secured thereto by means of a key 129 and a set-screw 130, so as to be supported and rotated by said shaft. The hub 10L is loosely arranged upon a complemental bearing formed upon the sleeve 10, so that the hub 102 and the head turn with the shaft 13, while the hub 101- turns upon the sleeve 10. 131 represents a cam-sleeve secured upon the sleeve 10 by means of a setscrew132. 133 represents a path-cam formed on a sleeve secured by a set-screw 13f 135 represents a bracket secured to the lower face of the plate 103 of the revolving head (see Figs. 2 and 7) between the hub 101 and the plate 109. This bracket carries a pintle 136, upon which is mounted a hub 137. (See Fig. 7.) Cast integral with this hub is the arm 120, heretofore described, and the arm 138, the free end of which carries a roller 130, arranged in the path-cam 133, whereby the cutter-head is operated. In Fig. 2 will be seen two inclines of the path-cam 133, whereby the cutter-head is given, first, its positioning movement, as shown in Fig. 8, and subsequently its shearing motion to sever the wire or blank by the coaetion of the cuttingtool 126 and the stationary cutter-block 118. 1&0 represents a ring secured to thelower face of the plate 101 by bolts l i-1. This ring is formed with a downwardly-projecting flange 142. This ring and flange extend around the rotating head, except for a relatively small space (see Fig. 1) occupied by the feedingelamps, cutter, and welding-jaws. The flange 142 constitutes the former or drum, about which the Wire 1 ft is drawn and formed or shaped. Said flange may be made slightly tapering to facilitate the removal of the wire.

In the drawings (see particularly Fig. 1) the hoop 0rband1d5 is shown as circular. This particular shape, however, could be modified, if desired, depending upon the corn figuration given the former or drum 112. In other words, instead of: being circular the product or hoop 115 might be square or aiigular.

Referring to Figs. 1, 12, 13, 1i,15, 16, and 18,150 represents the forward feeding-clamp, and 151 the rear feeding-clamp. Each clamp is composed of a plate 152, formed with ribs 153, adapted to be slid under the flanges 113, 11a, and 115 on the front face of the plate 109, (see Fig. 30,) whereby the plate and the parts carried thereby are enabled to have a sliding motion relative to the plane of the hoop. Each plate 152 is provided at its upper end with a pintle 1.56, upon which is loosely mounted a roller 155.

Referring to Fig. 3, 157 represents plates secured to the under side of the table 1, forming a path-cam in which is arranged the roller of the forward feed-clamp 150. 158 rep resents plates secured to the lower side of the table 1, forming a cam-track for the roller 155 of the rear feed-clamp 150. (See Figs. 3, 6, and 12.) By this arrangement as the rolls 155 travel along their respective pathcame the plates 152 are slid up and down at predetermined intervals in the ways formed by the flanges 1H 1.15, as hereinbefore described. 160 represents a pintle projecting from the plate 152 midway between its ends on the front side. Upon this pintle is mounted a hub 161., provided at its inner end with a cam 162 and formed with a downwardly-projecting finger 163 and an upwardly-projecting finger 164, the free end of which carries a roller 165. (See Figs. 2, The hub 161 and the parts carried thereby for the two feed-clamps have, as seen in 23, a general construction in common. The arm 16% on the forward feed-clamp is farther away from the plate 152 than is the arm 16L on the rear feed-clamp. Further, it will be noted that the cams 162 of the two clamps face each other, so that it is necessary to have their opcrating-faces arranged in opposition in order that the same motion of the arm 16 T may produce the same movement in the clamp. represents a lug secured to the plate 152 nearest its lower end and provided with a pintle 171. 172 represents a lever pivoted between its ends upon the pintle 171. The upper end of this lever is provided with a roller 173, adapted to be engaged by the cam 162 on its respective plate 152. To the lower end of the lever is secured a removable clamping-piece 17-t. 175 represents a complemental removable clamping-piece secured to the lower end of the plate 152. The plate 171 is formed with a groove 176, adapted to partially inclose the blank or wire 1 11i in order to force it against the plate 175 and maintain the same in position. 177 represents a spring arranged to normally force the plates 171; 175 apart. 181 represents a lug secured to the lower side of the cam 157 (see Fig. 6) in position to engage the roller 165 on the forward feed-clamp 150.

182 represents a similar lug secured to the under side of the plate 157 in position to be engaged by the roller 1 5 of the rear feed IIS clamp. The arm 164 on the forward feedclamp is spaced away from the plate 152 sufficient to permit the finger 182 to pass between the roller and said plate. This arrange ment permits a compact assembling of parts and the operation of the two feed-clamps at the proper time. In the rotation of the machine as the roller 165 of the forward feedclamp engages the finger 181 its cam 162 is rocked downward, as in Fig. 14, thereby forcing the plates 174 175 toward each other, gripping the wire between them. At the end of this stroke the roller 173 rides into a depression 178 on the top of the cam 162, thereby locking the lever in its operative position, with the blank or wire firmly held between the two plates 174 175. (see Fig. 1) represents an arm secured to the under side of the table 1, formed with a lower end or finger 186, adapted to engage the lower end of the lever 163 of the forward feed-clamp in order to reverse the cam 162 and permit the spring 177 to separate the plates 174 175 and release the wire. 187 represents a similar arm secured to the under side of the table 1, formed with a finger 188, adapted in like manner to engage the lower end of the lever 163 on the rear feed-clamp to unlock the clamp to permit the spring 177 to force the plates 174 175 apart, as above described in connection with the forward feed-clamp. The parts are so arranged that the cam 162 is operated to clamp the wire and hold the same for a predetermined time, when the levers 163 are engaged by the fingers 186 188 in order to move the cams in the opposite direction and unlock the clamp.

Referring to Figs. 16, 17, 18, and 19, 190 represents a curved bar formed at one end with a pin 191, secured in a block 192, attached to the under surface of the plate 140 inside the flange 142. (See Fig. 3.) This bar is formed with three fingers 193, that project through slots 194, formed in the flange 142. (See Figs. 2, 16, 18, 23, 28.) The finger 193 on the free end of the bar 190 is formed with an extension provided with an enlarged aperture 195. (See'Fig. 34.) 196 (see Figs. 16 to 18 and Fig. 34) represents a lug carried by the lower end of the rear feedclamp and provided with a pintle 197, loosely arranged in the aperture 195. 198 represents a spring connected at one end to the forward finger 193 and at its upper end to the pintle 197 and acting normally to maintain the positioning-bar 190 in its raised position, (shown in Fig. 16,) except when the rear feed-clamp is depressed by means of the cam 158, (see Fig. 3,) as here inbeforedescribed. Thelooseconnectionbetween the pintle 197 and the extension of the finger 193 enables the rear feed-clamp to have a motion independent of said positioningring.

Fig. 34 shows the position of the parts in which they appearin Fig. 23. It is necessary, however, at one stage of the operation that the rear feed-clamp assume a higher position than that shown in Fig. 23013111 other words, the position shown in Fig. 25 in order to permit the clamp to get a new hold on the blank to form the next hoop. During this motion the piutle 197 travels nearly to the upper end of the aperture 195. 220 represents a casting secured to the lower front side of the plate 101 by bolts 221. The casting 220 is insulated from the plate 201 in any desired or preferred manner. The rear welding-jaw 34 (see Fig. 10) is composed of a piece ofcopper secured to the casting 220 by bolts 223 or in any preferred way. The top part of the rear welding-jaw 34 is cut away in order to permit the rear feed-clamp to depress the wire or blank into position to be gripped by the weldingjaw. 230 represents a short shaft arranged in the casting 300. (See Fig. 20.) This shaft is formed with a collar 231 to maintain the shaft againstinward motion. 232 represents a pitman mounted on an eccentric stud which is carried by the inner end of said shaft. The free end of this pitman is turned up and carries a removable gripping-plate 233, adapted to grip the wire or blank between said plate and the face of the forward welding-jaw 36. 234 represents an arm secured to the end of the shaft 230. The pitman 232 is arranged on the inner vertical face of the casting 300. (See Fig. 4.) 236 represents a pin on the inner face of the shaft 230. 237 represents a leaf-spring, one end of which is connected to the rear end of the pitman 232, while the free end rests upon an insulated strip 238 between the forward welding-jaw 36 and the terminal 82. (See Fig. 11.) The pitman is moved out and in by the shaft 230, the pin 236 serving as the pitman is forced outward to also force the free end of the pitman downward against the tension of the spring 237 in order that the hoop may pass over the free end of the pitman. (See Fig. 8 as an illustration of this mode of operation in connection with the pitman of the forward welding-jaw 239 represents a pin secured to the rear welding-jaw 34 and projecting outward opposite the front end of the pitman 232 or grippingplate 233 (see Fig. 10) in order that as the free end of the pitm an is swung out and down the hoop may slide on the pin 239 over the free end of the pitman. (See Fig. 8 as an illustration of this construction in connection with the forward welding-jaw 240 represents a link connected at one end to the free end of the arm 234. 241 (see Fig. 2) is a lever pivoted at its rear end on the pintle 107. This lever is provided with an upwardly-projecting arm 242, carrying a roller 243, arranged in the path-cam 244, secured to the sleeve 10 by a set-screw (See Fig. 3.) As shown in Fig. 2, the lever 241 at its free end is connected with the upper end of the link 240 and is insulated therefrom in any preferred way. The forward welding-jaw carries a clamp mechanism comprising a shaft 230, clamp-plate 233, pitman 232, in all respects like the construction just described 

